Sunday, August 27, 2006

GONZALO S. GACHO SR. (1942-2006)

The 70 days that he spent in the hospital was an uphill battle not only for him but for the entire family. He underwent hemodialysis 39 times before he passed on.

His hospital bill was unsurmountable and was both financially and emotionally draining for those who were left to take care of him.

Here is a copy of the Eulogy that was delivered during the Funeral Mass last August 21, Monday at St. Jude Parish, Davao City:

GONZALO S. GACHO SR. is fondly called “SAL” by his co-workers. He is also lovingly called “OTAY” or “OTIC” or "TECS" by close family and friends.

He was born on the 3rd of March 1942 in the town of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental to BONIFACIO EDANG GACHO and ASUNCION TAJANGLANGIT SALES. He is the third among the nine siblings. He finished his secondary education at La Carlota City High School. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at the University Sto. Tomas, Manila. After the passing the CPA Licensure examination, he joined Pacific Banking Corporation in 1962 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. He rose from the ranks to become the Branch Manager of Pacific Banking Corporation Davao San Pedro Branch in 1979 until the bank closed in 1985.

I remember my Dad best for his integrity. He was a loving father and a strict disciplinarian. He was a man of few words yet he was a witty and delightful person to talk with. He touched the lives of not just one but many individuals, by his example. He did his best for us during the time that he was jobless and faced with a family of five to feed and four children to send to school.But he managed to overcome all these adversities and was fulfilled to see, that me and my three sisters finished college and have lives of our own.

His last few years with us were relatively simple. He was contented in pursuing his daily fishing hobby and selling cellfone loads to neighbors at Matina Executive Homes.

“Kahit konting diperensya, larga…” is a trait of wisdom that I have learned from him but yet have to master.

In behalf of the family of the late GONZALO S. GACHO SR., we would like to express our hearfelt gratitude to each and every one present here today. We would also like to thank those who are unable to join us in this gathering who have, in their own way, supported our family as we pay homage and bring our beloved GONZALO “SAL” GACHO SR. to his final resting place.

I will be missing you as I can no longer read blogs from you. I hope you will be united with your Dad now in heaven. You are so special to me and till I close my eyes to be with you again. Rest in Peace Gonz...I love you